Answer: Lake Michigan
Chicago hugs the southern shores of Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the fifth largest lake in the world. Often called "the third coast" because of its extensive shores and beaches, tourists can sail, choose from a host of cruises, tour the city architecture from the water, and even fish, kayak or speedboat.
There has been increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather on the lake due to global warming, and unfortunately in 2014 certain international companies were found to be dumping or spilling large amounts of pollutants into the water. There are, however, still plenty of safe and exciting things to do in Chicago's extensive waters.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: Benito Mussolini
The Balbo Monument was erected in 1933 during the World Exposition: A Century of Progress (1933-1934). The monument is composed of a 2000-year-old Ostian column, mounted on a travertine base, with the following inscription (rendered in both English and Italian):
"This column
twenty centuries old
erected on the shores of Ostia
port of Imperial Rome
to safeguard the fortunes and victories
of the Roman triremes
Fascist Italy by command of Benito Mussolini
presents to Chicago
exaltation symbol memorial
of the Atlantic Squadron led by Balbo
that with Roman daring flew across the ocean
in the eleventh year
of the Fascist era"
The use of a Roman column and decorative fasces bracketing the inscription on the monument are evidence of one of Mussolini's greatest desires; that is, Mussolini sought to prove that his Fascist regime was the rightful descendant of ancient Roman civilization. Therefore, he often found ways to link them together in an effort to increase the belief in the greatness of his Fascist regime.
Location:
Balbo Monument
Burnam Park
1550 S. Lakeshore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Reference:
Website- Ostia: Harbor City in Rome
From Quiz: Windy City Wonders
Answer: The Green Mill
One tunnel entrance can be found underneath the Green Mill tavern. The tunnels were not originally built for gangster use - they connected the tavern with its beer garden, located where the Uptown Theatre now stands. During the age of Prohibition, they were used both as an escape route for mobsters and as a hiding place for illicit alcohol.
From Quiz: Beneath Chicago
Answer: The Chicago Water Tower
This Gothic style artifice was constructed of limestone blocks and completed in 1869. It was the first American Water Landmark selected by the American Water Works Association.
From Quiz: The Windy City
Answer: Richard J. Daley
Mike Royko wrote a great book about Daley entitled "Boss".
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: Red
The Red line, formerly known as the State Street subway, runs from the northern edge of Chicago, about 7400 N, down to about 9500 S. Exit at Addison to catch the Cubs or at 35th for a Sox game. Incidentally, the name US Cellular Field is a new one in Chicago. Until this year, Sox park was named Comiskey Park, after Charles Comiskey, former owner of the team.
From Quiz: Riding the Rails on the CTA
Answer: Waterway transportation
Chicago's location at Lake Michigan allowed command of both inland and water transportation, so that abundant fur trade, coastal real estate speculation, an active shipping port, and ability to transport manufactured goods through the seaways and across the Great Lakes made Chicago a boom-town. Add to that a strong railroad, highway and air transportation business, with a heavy influx of immigrants by 1870, and Chicago fast became one of the largest cities in the world. It has exceled not only in industry and transportation, but in broadcasting, finance, higher education, medical training, culture and music.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: Nuclear reactor
The first nuclear reactor (Chicago Pile-1) was developed in Enrico Fermi's lab, which was located on a squash court beneath the west grandstand at Stagg Field. This nuclear reactor was used to generate the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear reaction, even though the scientists weren't sure that the reaction could be stopped once initiated. The original Stagg Field is a mere memory, but Henry Moore's enigmatic sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of the Manhattan Project and the world-changing events ignited on December 02, 1942.
Location:
Nuclear Energy Statue
5651 S. Ellis Street
Chicago, IL. 60637
Reference:
Website- Wikipedia
From Quiz: Windy City Wonders
Answer: The John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center is a 100-story multifunctional structure. It houses 48 floors of apartments, 29 floors of offices, stores, a hotel, ice rink, radio and television stations, and a swimming pool. Its observation deck offers one of the best views of the lakefront and the Loop.
From Quiz: The Windy City
Answer: Da Cubs
The Cubbies have been breaking their fans' hearts annually since losing to Detroit in the 1945 World Series!
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: Second City
The recovery from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 earned Chicago the nickname "Second City", because it rose again. Some argue it means "second to New York City". Chicago is also known as the "windy city", though the reason is unclear, as Chicago is no more breezy than many places. Early Cincinnati rivals may have named Chicago windy, as in, "full of hot air", or prone to bragging.
Other nicknames come from Carl Sandburg's "City of the Big Shoulders", Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle", and American cartoonist Elzie Segar who created Popeye. It is the City of Champions for sports fans, and well known for its delicious deep-dish pizza. President Barack Obama made his home there. President Ronald Reagan was born in a small village not so distant.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: Reebie Storage & Moving Company
In 1923, the Reebie Storage & Moving Company building was built by John and William Reebie. The Egyptian Revival design was inspired by the then-recent (1922) discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamen by Howard Carter. The theme is also evidenced within, as the lobby is decorated with Egyptian columns, art glass windows, metalwork, and plaster castings. Most entertaining, though, are the entrance hieroglyphics, which when translated state, "I give protection to your furniture" and "Forever I work for all your regions in daylight and darkness".
Location:
Reebie Storage & Moving Company
2325-2333 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
From Quiz: Windy City Wonders
Answer: The first self-sustaining, synthetic nuclear reaction
The first man-made nuclear reactor, named Chicago Pile-1, was started in December of 1942 by Enrico Fermi and Leo Szilard. It was going to happen at the Argonne National Laboratory, but a labor strike resulted in the relocation of the event to an unceremonious gymnasium.
The reactor consisted of a stack of uranium and graphite blocks, controlled by rods coated in cadmium.
From Quiz: Beneath Chicago
Answer: Wrigley Field
From Quiz: The Windy City
Answer: Soldier field
Many Chicagoans still incorrectly refer to it as Soldiers Field.
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: Aquarium
With over two million visitors a year, the (John G.) Shedd Aquarium is among the largest indoor aquariums in the world, exhibiting more than 8000 animals of 1,500 species in 80 habitats. The Abbott Oceanarium houses beluga whales, penguins and dolphins, and there is an impressive tank of Caribbean Reef sea life. You can walk through a recreation of the Amazon River, interact with a diver, or touch a stingray. In 1930, twenty railroad tank cars brought ocean water from Florida to fill the marine habitats. Sadly, John G. Shedd did not live to see the place open that year, but his daughters continued to foster his dream. Its unique design and architecture earned the aquarium the National Historic Landmark designation, as well as other awards.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: Wayne's World
Artist Dustin Shuler's sculpture, "The Spindle", was surrounded by twenty other sculptures that also incorporate cars in their design. These works of art were originally commissioned by the shopping center for the purpose of beautification. However, out of all Chicagoans, it may be that the local police department enjoyed "The Spindle" the most. Specifically, police rookies were often sent to the site to investigate an "eight car pileup".
Location:
The Spindle
Cermak Plaza
7043 Cermak Road
Berwyn, IL 60402
UPDATE:
Once standing in Cermak Plaza "The Spindle" was dismantled when the shopping center was redeveloped. However, the top two cars of the artwork were retained for the construction of a new "Spindle".
From Quiz: Windy City Wonders
Answer: Downtown
The Loop is the circular path taken by elevated trains around part of the downtown area.
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: 1
The Blue line is kind of shaped like a sideways U. It starts on the west side, heads east into downtown, curves north for a bit, and then heads out northwest to O'Hare.
From Quiz: Riding the Rails on the CTA
Answer: Burr oak tree
Found in the Lincoln Park Zoo, the huge burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa) dates to 1830, before Chicago was founded. These native trees may live up to 400 years, grow over 100 ft (40 m) tall and be 10 ft (3 m) thick. It has a rugged bark, and is fire-resistant.
Opened in 1868, the zoo is free, open 365 days, and covers 35 acres (14 ha). It exhibits some 200 species, including big cats, polar bears, primates, reptiles, and penguins. In 2010, the zoo stopped housing elephants, to display endangered black rhinoceroses instead. Chicago's Brookfield Zoo is focused on conservation. The Barking Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes fletcheri), speaking of bark, is found in Australia.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: Crosses
Mitch Szewczyk, a devout Catholic, first hung one cross on his house to ward off local criminals. Perceiving cross power to be effective against crime, he later expanded his decorative activities to include the commemoration of those public individuals he found cross-worthy.
Location:
House of Crosses
1544 W. Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL 60622
From Quiz: Windy City Wonders
Answer: Nothing--there was no land there during the Great Fire.
Until the 1830s, Lake Michigan came in as far west as what is now known as Michigan Avenue. By the time of the fire in 1871, a sandbar had built up around the pier but there wasn't much development on the sandy shore. The thriving area now known as Streeterville was built upon that sandbar and the huge amount of debris that was dumped into the lake during the post-fire cleanup.
Streeterville gets its name from George Streeter, a colorful fellow of the late 1800s who grafted his way into fraudulent ownership of most of the new lakefront property.
From Quiz: Beneath Chicago
Answer: The John G. Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is located in the Grant Park Complex and has several notable exhibits; the two most famous are the Caribbean Reef and the Oceanarium. The Caribbean Reef is a 90,000 gallon fish tank that houses over 70 species of fish, including rays and sharks. Here you can learn about several of the species while they are hand fed. The Oceanarium is a 3,000,000 gallon wonder that houses beluga whales and white-sided dolphins to name a couple of species.
From Quiz: The Windy City
Answer: Amusement park
Every Chicago area kid went to Riverview at least once in their life to see Aladdin's Castle or ride the Giant Parachutes.
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: Purple
I don't think it is a coincidence that this line is Purple - the Wildcats' colors are purple and white. During football season, the trains are always full of fans - happy and excited on their way to the game, and usually sad and dejected after the Cats lose. Ah, to make it to the Rose Bowl again, like in 1996.
From Quiz: Riding the Rails on the CTA
Answer: 360 Chicago
360 Chicago is an observation attraction on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center skyscraper. An elevator takes you up about 1,000 feet (305 meters) in 40 seconds. There you find an 80-foot (24 m) wall of Chicago history, a multimedia tour, touchscreen information, and a magnificent view of downtown Chicago, the lakefront, and four adjoining states. 360 Chicago was voted "Best View in America" by "Travel and Leisure Magazine". The Space Needle and Top of the Rock are observation decks in other cities. Skydeck is another amazing observation deck in Chicago, from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: Essanay Studios
Prior to Hollywood, CA becoming the film capital of the United States, a burgeoning film industry was established in Chicago, IL. Among the many studios was Essanay Studios, which produced such classics as "The Tramp" and "The Perils of Pauline" cliffhangers. This landmark has a distinctive pedimented entryway, graced on each side with paintings of war-bonneted Indian chiefs and carriage lanterns.
Location:
Essanay Studios
1345 W. Argyle Street
Chicago, IL 60640
From Quiz: Windy City Wonders
Answer: Navy Pier
Built in 1916, Navy Pier was originally called Municipal Pier #2, and was built to support commercial shipping and also provide a venue for entertainment (theater etc.) During World War I and World War II it was used for military purposes, training mostly. Following the war it was the Chicago branch of the University of Illinois until it moved to its current location. After this period Navy Pier started to decay until refurbished into a vibrant entertainment center in 1994.
From Quiz: The Windy City
Answer: America First
Lar made seven unsuccessful runs for political office. He even ran for President in 1960!
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: Chicago
The horse troughs used to belong to the fire department. They were to be torn out years after the fired department had switched to motor vehicles, but in the early seventies, carriage companies convinced the city to revive the old troughs and place them where their horses could use them.
From Quiz: Carriage Horses in Chicago
Answer: Sears Tower
The Willis Tower, aka the Sears Tower, is a skyscraper of 108 floors. Sears, Roebuck and Company hired it built in 1970. From 1973 until 1996 it was the tallest building in the world. It is 1,450 feet (442 meters), and taller still when the antenna spire is counted. In 2009, the Willis Group (a global risk and insurance broker) bought the building and acquired rights to a new name.
On the 103rd floor is the famous observation Skydeck, 1,353 feet (412.4 m) above street level. From there you can see Chicago, and several surrounding states. In June of 2014 a camera captured the seconds when three of Chicago's tallest buildings were simultaneously hit by lightning during a severe storm.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: Great Chicago Fire
The Great Chicago Fire is no longer believed to have been started when Mrs. Catherine O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern while being milked. In fact, the O'Leary's home was still standing after the fire was over. Therefore, the source of the fire remains unknown. What is known is that the fire began on October 8, 1871 and raged for 27 hours, resulting in the devastation of 3.5 square city miles. This disaster destroyed over 17,000 buildings, left one third of the population homeless, and killed 250 people. The haunting "Pillar of Fire" monument erected outside the fire department's training center stands in tribute to those 250 lives that the Great Chicago Fire claimed.
Location:
Pillar of Fire Monument
558 W. DeKoven Street
Chicago, IL 60607
From Quiz: Windy City Wonders
Answer: Wooden sidewalks and streets
Chicago was doomed by strong winds and the huge amount of wood in the city. Most buildings were made of wood. The ships in the harbor were all wood. The riverbanks were lined with lumberyards and coal yards. The raised wooden sidewalks, sealed with pitch and stuffed underneath with years of accumulated straw and debris, carried the fire down every street for miles.
From Quiz: Beneath Chicago
Answer: The Willis Tower
Built in 1974, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, was the tallest building in the world until 1997 when the Petronas Twin Towers were built in Malaysia. There are some who contend that the Willis Tower is still the tallest building as the height of the antennae on the Petronas Twin Towers are included in their height, while the antennae on the Sears Tower are not, since they are not an actual part of the building.
From Quiz: The Windy City
Answer: 36
Richard J. Daley (fondly known as "Da Mare") reigned from 1955 until his death in 1976. His son Richard M. (fondly known as "Richie") was elected in 1989 and remained in office through 2004.
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: brown
The brown line is the oldest continually operating elevated track in the city.
From Quiz: Carriage Horses in Chicago
Answer: Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry was long the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere, and claims it was first to allow visitors to touch and interact with exhibits. You can open a river drawbridge for a model train, make a giant heart beat in time with yours, or show your moves on the basketball court under the watchful eye of a virtual instructor.
From Quiz: Chicago! Popeye's Magical Pizza City of Champions
Answer: The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile stretches along the northern portion of Michigan Ave. between the Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago River. It is a wide avenue filled with exclusive shops, museums, and ritzy hotels and restaurants. Some of the sights along this stretch are the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Saks Fifth Ave., and the Medinah Athletic Club.
From Quiz: The Windy City
Answer: Midway Airport
Interestingly enough, Midway was the World's busiest airport from 1945 to 1958.
From Quiz: My Kind Of Town, Chicago
Answer: all of these are correct
We shouldn't have to worry about the Bulls winning the championship again soon.
From Quiz: Carriage Horses in Chicago